December 21, 2012, was an important day. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Mayan apocalypse. Doomsday of all doomsdays. The End of the World. But it was also the 30th birthday of my best friend, partner in crime, confidant, and sidekick, Carmen.
It’s a challenge living so far away from a great friend like Carmen, but fortunately, I was in Alabama for her big day. We celebrated in style with a 1920s themed “Murder at the Juice Joint” Murder Mystery Party. I'm blessed beyond measure to have a friend like Carmen in my life.
Happy birthday, Carmen!
Carmen (left) and me (right) in the third grade. Notice the pink glasses and poodle bangs - all the rage in the 1990s.
Carmen and me at her 30th birthday bash. There were no pink glasses or poodle bangs in sight.
Mobsters and flappers.
Our crew.
Believe it or not, but we're actually a pretty normal bunch.
Here's a GIF of one of the evening's more memorable moments. The camera captured a normal group shot, then I tried to show off my trademark cheerleader heel stretch, then subsequently fell backwards out of frame, which was followed by the next shot capturing everyone else's surprised expressions. EPIC.